The meeting assumed significance because it took place a day ahead of a Congress rally in support of separate Telangana in the city. Mr. K.S. Rao’s house in Jubilee Hills here had been once attacked by pro-Telangana lawyers in the midst of meetings and conventions organised by him in coastal districts in support of integrated State. He became the butt of criticism of Telangana supporters then.

Mr. Rama Rao told media persons that he had met the Minister to represent problems of weavers in Sircilla, the former’s Assembly constituency. He said he had sought a common textiles park in Sircilla and loan waiver and fresh loans at three per cent interest for weavers.

The MLA also said the Minister offered to visit Sircilla after the local body elections. He praised Mr. K.S. Rao for his words of wisdom on Telangana.

‘Be cautious’

Mr. K.S. Rao said at a press meet that those holding key positions, including the ministerial berths, should be cautious while talking about sensitive issues. He was replying to a query on whether he had taken a ‘U’ turn on the statehood issue after becoming a Union Minister.

The senior Congress leader, who was on a maiden visit to Gandhi Bhavan, to meet PCC president Botcha Satyanarayana, made it clear that Ministers should refrain from backing their respective region’s interest.

On persistent questioning whether he had changed his stand on the issue, he shot back: “If at all I have to say something, it will be only on a proper platform.” Earlier, Ministers – Ganta Srinivasa Rao and P.Viswaroop -- met him at his residence.

Slideshow

Workers carryingout repairs to Visakhapatnam District Collector's Office, as it was damaged in Cyclone Hudhud in 2014 October. The majestic heritage building was designed and built by Dutch engineering company Gannon Dunkerly in 1865 and completed by 1914. Photos: C.V. Subrahmanyam